Mobile slewing crane with jib



Aug. 5, 1958 s. HElTz 2,846,082

MOBILE sLEwING CRANE WITH JIB Filed Nov. 29. 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1v JNVENToR. @www fis/rz AUS- 5, 1958 G. HElTz MOBILE sLEwING CRANE WITH JIB 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 29. 1952 JNVENTOR. Gaaf/ar VE/7:5 BY

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l |240 08o l |230 |25u l l IZGQ I 4 Sheegs-Sheet 4 INVENTOR GusTAv HElTz BY www United StatesPatent 1 2,846,082 MOBILE SLEWING CRANE WITH JIB Gustav Heitz, Urdorf, Switzerland Application November 29, 1952, Serial No. 323,329 Claims priority, application Switzerland December 1, 1951 4 Claims. (Cl. 212-59) The invention relates to a mobile slewing crane with jib.

The known mobile slewing cranes for loading and unloading the vehicle on which they are mountedhave the disadvantage that, when .the vehicle is not standing accurately level, 'the loaded jib tends to adjust itself into that direction in which the vehicle is inclined. It is then still possible to lift a load on the turnable jib of the mobile slewing crane, but when the unloading point is not just situated in the direction in which the vehicle is inclined, the jib can be turned in the direction of the unloading point by the application of a strong force only. It is an object of the invention 'to overcome lthis drawback.

With this and other objects in view I provide a mobile slewing crane, comprising a crane pivot column which is journalled universally tiltable, and a jib mounted on the said column.

Such mobile slewing crane with jib is suitable for all sorts ofrailand road-vehicles and allows the loading and unloading of the vehicle without excessive kforce requirements even in unfavourable conditions, i. e. even in such cases in which the vehicle can not be positioned accurately level.

ln order that the .invention may be clearly understood and 'readily carried into effect, three embodiments 'thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to theaccompanyin'g drawings, and while I am describing and illustrating what may be considered 'typical and particularly useful embodiments of my said invention, I wish it to be understood that l do not limit myself to the particular details and dimensions disclosed, lfor obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

In the drawings:

Fig.` l is a vertical part section of a rst embodiment ofthe mobile slewing crane with jib,

Fig. 2 is a plan View on top of the base portion of this mobile slewing crane, partly in section,

Fig. 3` is 'a lateral part elevation of a second embodiment of the mobile slewing crane with jib, partly in section,

Fig. 4 is a plan View to Fig. 3, partly in section.

Fig. 5 is a part elevation of a 'third embodiment of the mobile slewing crane, partly in section, vas viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and

Fig. 6 is a plan view to Fig. 5.

Fig. 7. is a lateral part elevation ofthe mobile slewing crane with jib, partly in section, corresponding substantially 'to Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is -a plan view, partly in section, corresponding substantially to Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a lateral part elevation of the mobile slewing crane with jib, partly in section, corresponding substantially 'to Fig. 3.

The longitudinal beams of the vehicle chassis are denoted 1, 1', respectively, the said vehicle being otherwise not shown in the drawing. Between these longitudinal beams 1, 1 of the vehicle chassis a base spider 2 of Wrought iron or cast iron is iixedly mounted. This base spider 2 carries a part-spherical socket 3 which serves as a bearing to a pivot collar 4 having a 'corresponding convex part-spherical face, which collar is fxedly mounted on Vthe lower portion of a crane pivot 'column 5. That part of the crane pivot column which is below the pivot collar 4 penetrates through an aperture o'f the paIt-spheri= firice cal socket 3 and is provided at its lower end with an end piece 6, on which a ball 7 is provided, which is held rotatably in a slide piece consisting of two portions 9, 9' connected with one another by means of screws 8. This slide piece 9, 9' is guided shiftable perpendicularly to the plane of the vehicle platform (not shown in the drawing) in a guide member 10. This guide member 10 has a tapped bore extending therethrough and is mounted on a threaded spindle 11 screwed into this tapped bore, which spindle is journalled in two bearing brackets 12 and 12. The bearing brackets 12 and 12 are guided shiftable in the direction of the longitudinal beams 1 and 1 each on a beam 13, 13 respectively, of U-shaped profile which are xedly arranged under the said longitudinal beams 1 and 1 of the vehicle chassis and which extend over the full length of the base spider 2. Two adjustment collars 14 and 14' which abut from inside on the bearing brackets 12 and 12 prevent an axial displacement of the threaded spindle 11. The threaded spindle 11 has on each end a square head projecting beyond the bearing brackets 12 and 12 which square heads are adapted for mounting a hand crank 15 on them. The bearing brackets 12 and 12 each have a threaded bore going right through them, and are mounted each on a threaded spindle 16, 16' respectively arranged perpendicular to the threaded spindle 11 and journalled each in two bearings 17, 18, and 17 18', respectively, which are tixedly mounted on the underside of the beams 13, 13', respectively. These threaded spindles 16 and 16 are secured by adjustment collars 19, 19' respectively, against axial displacement, and `have each a square head on their ends projecting beyond the vehicle chassis, which square heads are adapted for mounting a hand crank 20 on them. On the other end of each of the threaded spindles 16 and 16 a bevel gear 21, 21', respectively, is keyed which meshes with a bevel gear 22, 22', respectively, both of which are keyed on a shaft 23 journalled in two bearings 24, 24', respectively attached on the beams 13, 13. In this manner the two threaded spindles 16 and 16 are in torque connection with one another. In the case represented, the threaded spindle 16 has a right hand thread, and the threaded spindle 16 has a left hand thread, in such a manner that, when turning these threaded spindles 16 and 16', the bearing brackets 12 and 12' with the threaded spindle 11 are shifted in the same direction.

Above the bearing collar 4 a ring 25 is iixedly mounted on the crane pivot column 5 which ring has two coaxial trunnions 26 projecting radially outwards, on which a forked head 28 mounted on the lower end of the jib truss 27 is pivoted. On the top portion of the crane pivot column 5 a further ring 29 is xedly mounted which has likewise two coaxial trunnions 30 projecting radially outwards on which a forked head 32 mounted on the inner end of the jib tie 31 is pivoted. The outer ends (not shown) of the jib truss 27 and of the jib tie 31 are linked to one another. With advantage the jib tie 31 is so constructed that its length can be varied in order to vary the slope ofthe jib truss I27.

The beams 13 and 13 are connected with one another at their front and rear ends by a transverse beam 33, 33', respectively, likewise of U-protile. In each of these transverse beams 33 and 33', a slider bar 34, 34', respectively, is guided shiftably. These slider bars 34 and 34 can be pulled out about half the width of the vehicle chassis, and can for example be supported on their free ends by a vehicle jack put under them, in order to increase the stability of the vehicle and to prevent tipping of the vehicle when lifting heavy loads by means of the mobile slewing crane. In the beams 13 and 13', too, like slider bars 35 and 35, respectively, are shiftably guided, which for the same purpose can be pulled out about half their length.

winch and a load hook not shown in the drawing.

When the vehicle has been driven to the loading or unloading point, the crane pivot column 5, by turning the threaded spindle 11 by means of the crank 15 and by turning the threaded spindle 16 or 16 by means of the crank 20, and by accordingly causing the shifting of the guide piece 10 in which the slide piece 9, 9 containing the ball 7 is guided, is put in such a position that it is inclined some degrees towards the direction in which the place is situated on which the load to be lifted by the mobile slewing crane is to be deposited. When loading the vehicle, the crane pivot column 5 is accordingly inclined towards the vehicle platform, while when unloading the vehicle, it is inclined towards that place on which the load is to be deposited, lying by the side of or behind, the vehicle. The loaded jib consequently tends to turn in this direction. It is then irrelevant whether the vehicle is level or inclined. Since the crane pivot column is inclined a few degrees only at any time, the load is taken to a prcponderant proportion by the part-spherical socket 3, and the ball 7 of the end piece 6 of the crane pivot column transmits merely small forces to the guide piece 10 and the threaded spindles 11, 16 and 16', which forces can be taken by them easily. In order to prevent, in any case, the threaded spindle 11 from bending, the guide piece 10 may be guided in a guide rail, which is of U-shaped profile open ou top, connecting the two bearing brackets 12 and 12' with one another.

On the crane pivot column 5 an arm 36 is mounted on which a plumb line 37 is suspended which indicates the direction and extent of inclination of the crane pivot column 5 on a dial 38 provided with a circular scale which is likewise mounted on the crane pivot column 5.

The crane pivot column could be journalled in a gimbal mounting instead of in a part-spherical socket, if desired. For adjusting the crane pivot column to the slope desired, the threaded spindles 11, 16 and 16 could be replaced by mechanical means of different construction, or by hydraulically acting means.

In Figs. 3 and 4 the main chassis of a lorry is denoted 101, and the drivers cab thereof is denoted 102. Behind the drivers cab 102 on a transverse beam fitted between the longitudinal beams of the main chassis 101 the bipartite bearing socket 104 of a ball joint is mounted, the ball portion 105 of which is Xedly arranged on the lower part of a crane pivot column 106. The two parts of the bearing socket 104 have apertures through which penetrates the crane pivot column 106 in such a manner that this crane pivot column 106 can be tilted in every direction. On the top portion of the crane pivot column 106 two rings 107 and 10S are mounted rotatably but restrained from axial displacement. Each of these rings 107 and 10S has two diametrically opposed trunnions 109, 110, respectively, projecting radially outwards, on which a forked member 111, 112, respectively, is pivoted. On the middle portion of each of the two forked members 111 and 112, a tapped sleeve 113, 114, respectively, is mounted rotatably, into which a threaded spindle 115, 116, respectively is screwed. On the ends of these threaded spindles 115 and 116 lying outside the tapped sleeves 113, 114, respectively, there is mounted a spherical body 117, 118, respectively, which is pivoted in a bipartite spherical casing 119, 120, respectively, and forms therewith a ball joint each. The two spherical casings 119 and 120 are mounted rotatable each about a vertical axis on both sides on top of the drivers cab 102, which is reinforced by braces 121 and a cross member 122, in such a marmer that the two threaded spindles 115 and 116 and their tapped sleeves 113 and 114 lie approximately at right angles to one another. In order to prevent the threaded spindles from being carried along by the rotation of the tapped sleeves 113, 114, a key 119', 120', respectively, is inserted in each of the spherical casings 119, 120, respectively, which keys engage each in a groove of the spherical body 117, 118, respectively, and prevent the threaded spindles 115, 116, respectively, from turning about their axes, without, however, hampering the tilting of these threaded spindles 115, 116, respectively, in the vertical direction.

With 123 the jib is denoted, which is tiltably mounted on the crane pivot column 106, and which is supported by a steel cable 124 attached to the tip of the crane pivot column 106. By varying the length of the steel cable 124 the slope of the jib 123 can be varied. On the crane pivot column there are moreover mounted a plumb line 125 and an indicator dial 126 for the same, which allow to read oi the actual direction and degree of inclination of the crane pivot column 106. On their ends pointing towards the crane pivot column 106, the tapped sleeves 113 and 114 each have a hand wheel 127, 128, respectively, by means of which they can be turned. Instead of these hand wheels 127 and 128, alternatively sprocket wheels could be provided over each of which runs an endless chain, so that the threaded spindles 113 and 114 can be turned in the one or in the other direction by pulling these chains.

By turning the tapped sleeves 113 and 114 the effective lengths of the links for the crane pivot column 106 formed by the said tapped sleeves 113 and 114 respectively by the threaded spindles 115 and 116, respectively, screwed into them, and by the forked members 111 and 112, respectively, can be varied independently of one another. This allows to adjust the crane pivot column, which is rotatable about its axis, into a vertical position or inclinded towards a certain direction, independently of the position of the lorry, whereby the loading and unloading of goods is substantially facilitated.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the longitudinal beams of the main chassis of a lorry are denoted 130, between the rear portions of which a bipartite bearing socket 132 of a ball joint is mounted on a transverse beam 131, the spherical body 133 of which joint is tixedly mounted on the lower portion of the crane pivot column 134. On the top portion of this crane pivot column 134 a jib 135 is articulated so that it can be tilted up and down which jib is supported by a steel cable 136 attached to the tip of the crane pivot column 134. Moreover, on the portion of the crane pivot column 134 above the bearing socket 132 a plumb line 137 and an indicator dial 138 are arranged. On the lower end of the crane pivot column 134 penetrating the two parts of the bearing socket 132 two rings 139 and 140 are mounted rotatably but restrained in the axial direction. The ring 139 has two diametrically opposed radially projecting trunnions 141 on which a forked member 142 is pivoted which carries a tapped sleeve 143. Into this tapped sleeve 143 a threaded spindle 144 is screwed on which the spherical body 145 of a ball joint is mounted, the bi-partite casing 146 of which is mounted on a support 147 fixed to a longitudinal beam of the main chassis. On the end of the threaded spindle 144 projecting outwards-from the casing 146 a hand crank 148 is mounted. The ring 140 has likewise two diametrically opposed radially projecting trunnions 149, on which a forked member 150 is pivoted, which carries a tapped sleeve 151. Into this tapped sleeve 151 a threaded spindle 152 is screwed, on which is mounted the spherical body 153 of a ball joint, the bi-partite casing 154 of which is mounted on a support 155 which is fixed on the rear transverse beam 156 of the main chassis of the vehicle. On the end of the threaded spindle 152 projecting from the back of the casing 154 a hand crank 157 is keyed.

In this embodiment, too, the crane pivot column 134 which is rotatable about its axis, can be adjusted vertically or tilted more or less strongly, in anyv direction desired by turning the threaded spindles 144 and 152 by means of the hand cranks 148, 157, respectively, independently of the position of the lorry. i

In both embodiments described with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, 6, respectively, the steel cable 124, 136, respectively, supporting the jib 123, 135, respectively, instead of being attached on the tip of the crane pivot column 106, 134, respectively, could be alternatively passed through this crane pivot column to the bottom thereof (see Figs. 7 and 8), and on the lower end of this crane pivot column 106, 134, respectively, a motordriven winch 10511 may be provided for winding and unwinding this steel cable 124, 136, respectively, by

means of which the jib 123, 135, respectively, could be tilted up and down.

Figs. 7 and 8 correspond substantially to Figs. 3 and 4, but distinguish from the latter as per description following below. Y

In these iigs. the main chassis of a lorry is denoted 10111, and a portion of the drivers cab thereof is denoted 10211. Behind the drivers cab 10211 on a transverse beam fitted between the longitudinal beams of the main chassis 10111 the bi-partite bearing socket 10411 of a ball joint is mounted, the hollow ball portion 10511 of which is xedly arranged on the lower part of a crane pivot column 10611. The two parts of the bearing socket 10411 have apertures through which penetrates the crane pivot column 10611 in such a manner that this crane pivot column 10611 can be tilted in every direction.

On the top portion of the crane pivot column 10611 two rings 10711 and 10811 are mounted rotatably, but restrained from axial displacement. Each of these rings 10711 and 10811 has two diametrically opposed trunnions 10911, 11011, respectively, projecting radially outwards, on which a forked member 11111, 11211, respectively, is pivoted. On the middle portion of each of the two forked members 11111 and 11211, hydraulic two-way power cylinders 11311, 11411, respectively, are mounted. Hoses 113b and 114b connect these cylinders with a pump (not shown). Pistons 11511 and 11611 or the cylinders are provided with piston rods 11511 and 11611. On the ends of each of the rods 115b and 116, respectively, there is mounted a spherical body 11711, 11811, respectively, which is pivoted in a bipartite spherical casing 11911, 12011, respectively, and forms therewith a ball joint each. The two spherical casings 11911 and 12011 are mounted rotatable each about a vertical axis on both sides on top of the drivers cab 10211, which is reinforced by braces 12111 and a cross member 12211, in such a manner that the two piston rods 115b and 116b and the two hydraulic cylinders 11311 and 11411 lie approximately at right angles to one another.

With 12311 the jib is denoted, which is tiltably mounted on the hollow crane pivot column 10611, and which is supported by a steel cable 12411 which passes over pulley 124b, through the column 10611 and hollow ball portion 10511 to the power winch 105b. By varying the length of steel cable 12411 the slope of the jib 12311 can be varied. On the crane pivot column there are moreover mounted a plumb line 12511 and an indicator dial 12611 which allow to read off the actual direction and degree of inclination of the crane pivot column 10611.

By alternately reversing the direction of the ow of a hydraulic pressure fluid into cylinders 11311 and 11411, the eiective lengths of the links for the crane pivot column 10611 formed by the said cylinders 11311 and 11411, respectively, and by the piston rods 115b and 116b, respectively, and by the forked members 11111 and 11211, respectively, can be varied independently of one another. This allows the adjustment of the crane `pivot column, which is rotatable about its axis, into a vertical position or inclined towards a certain direction, independently of the position of the lorry, whereby the loading and unloading of goods is substantially facilitated.

Instead of the simple jib 123, 135, respectively a jib 123b could be provided which is of variable length, for example a telescoped extensible jib. 'Ihe variation of length of the jib could then be effected in a hydraulical way, the pressure medium supply pipes passing through the crane pivot column, if desired.

Instead of links for the crane pivot column, each consisting of a threaded spindle and a tapped sleeve hydraulically operated links could be provided, each consisting of a piston with piston rod and of a cylinder, in which the piston can be subjected to hydraulical pressure from either side, whereby it is made positively shift'able in either direction and whereby the length of the said links could be varied.

Having thus described the invention what is new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A mobile slewing crane adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and comprising in combination a base ixedly mounted on said vehicle, a crane pivot column pivoted on said base for tiltable movement, a jib mounted on said crane pivot column, two rings mounted rotatably on but restrained in the axial direction relative to said crane pivot column, two struts of adjustable length arranged at substantially right angles to one another, each of said struts being articulated to one of said rings at one end and connected to said vehicle in tiltable manner but restrained in its axial direction, and adjustment means varying the effective length of each of the said struts independently.

2. A mobile slewing crane as claimed in claim 1, including a pair of diametrically opposite trunnions on each of the said two rings, two forked members each pivoted on one of said pairs of trunnions, respectively, and forming the ends of the respective struts articulated to said rings, and two universal jointseach connecting one of said struts to said vehicle.

3. A mobile slewing crane adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and comprising in combination a base mounted xedly on the vehicle, a universal joint mounted on said base, a crane pivot column journalled for tiltable movement relative to and penetrating said universal joint, two rings mounted rotatably on the said column below the said universal joint and restrained axially relative to the said column, a strut of variable length articulated at one end/to one of the said rings and at the other end universally articulated to a longitudinal beam of the vehicle chassis, another strut of variable length disposed substantially at right angles to the said first mentioned strut and articulated at one end to the other one of the said ringsl and at the other end universally articulated to a transverse beam of the vehicle chassis, and control means varying the effective lengths of the said struts independently of one another.

4. A mobile slewing crane adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and comprising in combination a base mounted ixedly on the vehicle, a crane pivot column pivoted on said base for tilting movement thereto, a jib mounted on the said crane pivot column, two rings mounted rotatably on but restrained axially relative to the said column, two struts of adjustable length arranged at substantially right angles to one another, each of the said struts being articulated to one-of the said rings at one end, and connected universally tiltable but restrained in its axial direction, to the vehicle, each of the said struts including a threaded spindle and a tapped sleeve in screw connection with one another, and control means turning the said spindle and sleeve relative to one another and thus adjusting the length of the strut.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,423,724 Mascetti July 25, 1922 2,147,313 Payson Feb. 14, 1939 2,432,528 Lively Dec. 16, 1947 2,550,185 Busch Apr. 24, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS I 589,746 France Feb. 27, 192.5 

